The Philadelphia Eagles have endured a lengthy wait for one of their own to capture the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. Decades have passed since the franchise last celebrated a player earning the league’s highest individual honor, creating a sense of anticipation among fans eager for a breakthrough.
That milestone dates back to 1960, when quarterback Norm Van Brocklin took home the MVP trophy. Since then, no Eagles player has replicated that feat, even as the team has enjoyed periods of strong contention and standout performances from key stars.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, however, there are growing reasons for optimism. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has emerged as a notable dark horse candidate according to recent analysis from NFL.com writer Dan Parr. This designation highlights the potential for a strong resurgence in what could be a pivotal year for both the player and the organization.
Philadelphia’s offensive scheme is undergoing significant changes that could play to Hurts’ strengths. With a new coordinator at the helm, the unit appears poised to offer fresh opportunities for the signal-caller to excel after a challenging previous campaign.
Parr believes the revamped attack under Sean Mannion sets up an ideal environment for Hurts to rebound effectively. The adjustments include personnel additions that bring new talent and versatility to the receiving group and beyond.
“Hurts is getting something of a fresh start in 2026, with former NFL QB Sean Mannion replacing Kevin Patullo as offensive coordinator after Patullo’s rough lone season as the play-caller. … The receiving corps has a much different look, with Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and first-round pick Makai Lemon arriving this offseason,” Parr wrote.
“Second-round selection Eli Stowers gives the offense a freak athlete at tight end. The offensive line remains one of the league’s best. … The ingredients are there for Hurts to roar back on a contending team. He’ll have to be much better than the version of him we saw for much of last season, though, in an offense that will have him lining up under center more often.”
These elements suggest a tailored system that could unlock Hurts’ full capabilities once again. The presence of a stable and elite offensive line provides a solid foundation, while the incoming skill players add explosive options that were missing in recent years.
Hurts has proven his MVP pedigree before. In 2022, he finished as the runner-up for the award, falling just short to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a tightly contested race. That near-miss demonstrated his ability to perform at an elite level and lead his team deep into the playoffs.
In the seasons that followed, Hurts did not crack the top 10 in MVP voting. Nevertheless, his overall influence on winning remains undeniable, as he consistently drives the Eagles’ success when healthy and operating efficiently within the offense.
The upcoming campaign represents a chance for redemption and recognition. Should the new offensive identity under Mannion mesh well with Hurts’ skill set and the Eagles maintain their competitive edge, the quarterback could once more enter the MVP conversation in meaningful ways.
Philadelphia’s track record of winning since Hurts became the full-time starter adds further weight to his candidacy. Consistency at the team level often amplifies individual performances, positioning Hurts to showcase the dual-threat abilities that first drew widespread acclaim.
As training camp and the preseason approach, all eyes will be on how quickly the revamped Eagles offense comes together.
For a franchise hungry to end its long MVP drought, Hurts stands as the most promising vehicle to finally deliver that long-awaited honor.
